COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF TREATMENT WITH PRIODERM LOTION AND KWELLADA SHAMPOO IN CHILDREN WITH HEAD LICE

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 130  (4) , 407-409
Abstract
The safety and efficacy of treatment with a new pediculicide lotion, Prioderm (0.5% malathion in isopropanol), were compared with those of treatment with Kwellada (1% lindane) shampoo in a randomized trial of children with head ice. The children''s scalps were examined for live lice immediately, 7 days and 4 to 6 wk following treatment. To determine the in-vitro ovicidal effect of treatment, samples of hair with nits were removed before and immediately following treatment; the subsequent rates of hatching were compared. No live lice were present immediately following either treatment. At 7 days after treatment 2 of the 29 children treated with Prioderm lotion and 4 of the 33 children treated with Kwellada shampoo were infested with live lice, whereas at 4 to 6 wk after treatment 5 and 3 children, respectively, were infested. The initial effectiveness of treatment was 93% in the children treated with Prioderm lotion and 88% in those treated with Kwellada shampoo; however, a large difference in efficacy could have been missed owing to the small number of children in the study. Both preparations demonstrated in-vitro ovicidal activity, but neither totally abolished post-treatment hatching. No side effects were reported from either preparation. Because ovicidal activity was incomplete 2 treatments with the same pediculicides should be given .apprx. 7 days apart.